To access the complete Professional Learning Framework, click on the link. You will need to be logged into Google using your NISD credentials.Professional Learning Framework Background

Strategic Goal 1 for Northwest Independent School District states that Northwest ISD will design dynamic learning experiences to ensure that all students are future-ready learners. Preparing students for the next level of learning is crucial for ongoing success of students. This Professional Learning Framework outlines Northwest ISD’s professional learning opportunities and expectations for all educators in the district. The framework differentiates expectations for new educators and returning NISD educator and between courses and contents. The framework will also outline expectations for specific contents as well as for special populations. All NISD employees are expected to follow the framework within the time guidelines specified.

The Professional Learning Framework, in conjunction with your T-TESS appraisal, Self-Reflection and Goal Setting documents, will serve as a guide to help educators determine individual learning plans and professional learning goals. At educators’ end of year T-TESS conference, educators will discuss their professional learning goals and determine flex day plans for administrator approval.

Strategic Goal 2 states that Northwest ISD will recruit, develop, retain, and recognize an exceptional, highly motivated staff to optimize student engagement and learning. The Professional Learning Framework supports this goal by outlining job-specific professional learning experiences that will support teachers’ professional goals and improve student performance.

District documents such as the Profile of a Graduate, Profile of an Educator, District goals, and the NISD Instructional Framework are also examined to determine additional professional learning focuses.

Courses are designed to build capacity and content knowledge, as well as professional practices and pedagogy for the current positions of all educators. A needs assessment of professional learning is completed each year using quantitative assessment data, as well as qualitative data that is collected from administrators, district officials, and content coordinators.

Professional Learning Philosophy

Student success is dependent upon the instruction, interactions, and experiences with which they are engaged in the classroom. Northwest Independent School District provides educators with professional learning opportunities that provide educators with the necessary tools to create classroom environments that are student-centered and focus on student learning and success. NISD believes that all educators will benefit from continued professional learning that is engaging and designed around student, staff, campus, and district needs and goals.

Professional Learning is enhanced when it is driven by student, educator, campus, and district needs. NISD also supports collaborative learning through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), so that educators benefit as a collective whole while learning with and through one another. PLCs occur at the grade, department, campus, and district level.